![Players of Ireland pose for a team photo ahead of the UEFA Nations League B Group 3 opening match between Kosovo and Ireland in Pristina, Kosovo on September 24, 2026. [Erkin Keçi - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AA-20260925-42564478-42564467-KOSOVO_V_IRELAND_UEFA_NATIONS_LEAGUE-1-1-1.jpg)
More Republic of Ireland players could boycott Sunday’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu confirmed he does not want to play in the match, Anadolu reports. Bazunu’s decision has prompted teammates to consider their own positions, with the match now facing uncertainty amid growing calls for Ireland to withdraw, according to a report by The Telegraph. The principled stand comes against the backdrop of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and growing pressure from Irish sporting figures for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to boycott the match. More than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter urging the FAI to withdraw from the fixture. Protests were also held outside the Irish team’s hotel in Dublin earlier […]
